Insulator support



July 17, 1951 c. HOMANN INSULATQR SUPPORT Filed Jan. 8, 1949 Patented July 17, 1951 INSULATOR SUPPORT Clifford Homann, Humboldt Township, Coles County, 11].

Application January 8, 1949, Serial No. 69,897

13 Claims. 1

This invention relates to insulator supports, more particularly to electric fence-wire insulator supports.

Among the several-objects of the invention may be noted the provision of improved one-piece insulator supports for mounting upon standard metal fence posts to carry electric fence-wire or the like; the provision of insulator supports of the class described which may easily be applied to the posts and quickly adjusted or readjusted thereon to any desired elevation; the provision of insulator supports of this class adapted to be locked in adjusted position on the posts by their own weight and the load of the wire they carry; the provision of insulator supports of this class which may be mounted to extend in either of two directions from standard metal fence posts; and the provision of insulator supports such as described which are economical to manufacture and which require no special tools for application to, adjustment on, or removal from fence posts. Other objects will be in part apparent and in part pointed out hereinafter.

The invention accordingly comprises the elements and combinations of elements, features of construction, and arrangements of parts which will be exemplified in the structures hereinafter described, and the scope of the application of which will be indicated in the following claims.

In the accompanying drawing, in which several of various possible embodiments of the invention are illustrated,

Fig. 1 is a plan view showing a first form of the invention applied to a metal fence post of T-section;

Fig. 2 is a side elevation of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is an end elevation of Fig. 2 as viewed from the right;

Fig. 4 is a vertical section taken on line 4-4 of Fig. 2;

Fig. 5 is a vertical section taken on line 55 i of Fig. 2;

Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the insulator support per se of Fig. 1;

Fig. '1 is a fragmentary perspective view of Fig. 12 is a fragmentary plan view similar to Fig. 8, but illustrating the insulator support extending in the opposite direction from the fence post.

Similar reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several viws of the drawings.

This invention relates particularly to electric fence-wire insulator supports of the type disclosed in my copending application entitled Insulator Support, Serial No. 624,498, filed October 25, 1945, eventuatedas Patent 2,485,288, dated October 18, 1949, and is an improvement on the invention disclosed in that application. This invention provides insulator supports for mounting upon standard metal fence posts of T-sec tion or vL-section which are one-piece in construction, more rigid, simpler to apply and remove, and more economical to manufacture.

Figs. 1-6 illustrate an insulator support I applicable to a standard metal fence post 3 of T-section. The latter has a head flange 5 and a web I. Usually, this type of fence post also has .a series of lugs 9 extending outward centrally from the head flange 5. The insulator support comprises-an elongate sheet-metal bracket H of webbed angle shape in section. The webs all! of the angle shape join at a ridge l2. The bracket initially is formed with a slit in its ridge or apex l2 extending inward from one end of the bracket to form a pair of bent-in wings I3 and I5. The wings are bent inward to extend transversely of the bracket, overlapping one another and providing an end wall for the bracket. An insulator I1 is mounted to extend outward from the end wall constituted by a .second form of the invention applicable to metal fence posts of L-section;

Fig. 8 is a plan view of the Fig. '7 insulator support applied to a fence post;

Fig. 9 is a side elevation of Fig. 8;

Fig. 10 is a vertical section taken on line ill-I U wings l3 and I5. This is done by means of a bolt [9 extending through the insulator and through an aperture 20in the wings and retained in place by a nut 2i threaded on the inner end of the bolt.

Adjacent its other end, the bracket H is provided with a transverse slot 23 extending across the apex of the bracket. This slot is of such size in projection as to receive the head flange 5 of fence post'3. Spaced from slot 23 on the side thereof toward the insulator end of the bracket is a transverse slit 25 extending across the apex of the bracket. Slit 25 is spaced from the transverse slot 23 a distance somewhat greater than the length of the web 1 of the fence post. The bracket is longitudinally slit through its apex from transverse slot 23 to the slit 25 to provide a pair of tongues 21. These tongues are struck in ward and bent at 29 to form a pair of snubbing lugs 3i extending longitudinally within the bracket from the transverse slot 23 toward the insulator end of the bracket. This also provides a longitudinal slot 33 through the apex of the bracket between the snubbing lugs 3|. This slot 33 leads from the transverse slot 23 toward the insulator end of the bracket for receiving the web 1 of the fence post. The tongues are preferably struck and bent in such manner that the snubbing lugs 3| lie in parallel vertical planes and parallel to the plane bisecting the angle of the bracket. The snubbing lugs 3| are spaced far enough apart to receive the usual fillets 35 of standard T-section fence posts.

The bracket II is also provided with a second longitudinal slot 31 in its apex extending from transverse slot 23 on the side opposite longitudinal slot 33 and toward the end of the bracket opposite its insulator end. This slot 31 is also adapted to receive the web 1 of the fence post. The metal of the bracket adjacent the inner end of the slot 31 is flared outward as indicated at 39 (Fig. so that slot 31 is somewhat wider at its inner end so as more readily to accommodate the lugs 9 (or the fillets 35) of the fence post.

The transverse slot 23 and the longitudinal slot 33 define a T-shaped aperture for receiving the T-section fence post 3 with the head flange 5 of the post receivable in the transverse slot and the web 1 of the post receivable in the longitudinal slot. The bracket under these circumstances extends outward from the web side of the head flange 5 (to the right as viewed in Figs. 1 and 2). The bracket I I is mounted on the post 3 by applying it over the upper end of the post in a position tilted slightly upward from the horizontal to avoid snubbing of the edges 4| of snubbing lugs 3| adjacent the transverse slot on the head flange 5. The bracket is applied with its apex uppermost and snubbing lugs 3| extending vertically downward. The bracket is moved down on the post, maintaining it slightly tilted, to the desired elevation on the post; then it is allowed to angle downward to a substantially horizontal position wherein the edges 4| of the snubbing lugs 3| engage the head flange 5 of the post. snubbing engagement of the ends 4| with the head flange under the weight of the bracket, cantilevered outward from the fence post, locks the bracket in adjusted, substantially horizontal position. The snubbing engagement is increased by the weight of the insulator l1 and electric fence wire W strung on the insulator H.

To remove or readjust the bracket II, it is tilted upward slightly to loosen it on the post and then moved up on the post by translation. Upward tilting of the bracket on the post is limited by the engagement of the apex edge 43 at the end of the longitudinal slot 33 with the edge of web 1 of the fence post. Thus, if the bracket should be inadvertently tilted upward while in wire-supporting position, edge 43 engages the edge of the web 1 to prevent the bracket from being pushed upward. When the force on the bracket tilting it upward is released, the bracket angles downward for snubbing engagement of edges 4| of the snubbing lugs 3| with the head flange 5 of the fence post.

The transverse slot 23 and the second longitudinal slot 31 also define a T-shaped aperture for receiving the T-section fence post 3 with the head flange 5 of the post receivable in the transverse slot and the web 1 of the post receivable in the longitudinal slot 31. Under these circumstances, bracket extends outward from the side of the head flange 5 opposite the web 1 (Fig. 11). Thus, transverse slot 23 comprises the head part of each of two T-shaped apertures for receiving a T-section fence post. With the bracket applied in this manner, the edges ll of 5 snubbing lugs 3| snub on the outer face of the head flange 5 of the fence post. Upward tilting of the bracket is limited by engagement of the apex edge 45 at the outer end of longitudinal slot 31 with the edge of web 1 of the post.

Figs. 7-10 illustrate a second form of insulator support 5| applicable to a standard metal fence post 53 of L-section. The insulator support 5| comprises an elongate sheet metal bracket of angle shaped section having webs 60 joined at a ridge or apex 52. Bracket 5|, like bracket above described, is formed with a slit in its ridge or apex extending inward from one end of the bracket to form a pair of wings 55 and 51, like wings l3 and I5. Wings 55 and 51 are bent inward to extend transversely of the bracket, overlapping one another and providing an end wall for attachment of insulator 59. secured to the wings by means of bolt 6| and nut 63 in the same manner as insulator |1 is mounted on bracket Adjacent its other end, bracket 5| is provided with a transverse slot 65 extending across the.

apex of the bracket. This slot is of such size as to receive a web 51 of the L-shaped fence post. Spaced from slot 55 on the side thereof toward the insulator end of the bracket is a transverse slit 59. The slit 69 is spaced from slot 55 a distance somewhat greater than the length of the other web 1| of the fence post.

ably bent to lie in a plane parallel to the plane.

bisecting the angle of the bracket (Fig. 10).

The bracket 5| is also provided with a second longitudinal slot 19 extending from the other end of transverse slot 65 on the side opposite the longitudinal slot 11 and toward the end of the bracket opposite its insulator end. This slot 19 is also adapted to receive the web 1| of the L-shaped fence post. The metal of the bracket in the corner of slots and 19 is flared outward as indicated at 8| so that the slot 19 is somewhat wider at its inner end so as readily to clear the fillet 83 of the fence post 53 when the bracket is applied to the post as in Fig. 12. U The transverse slot 65 and the longitudinal slot 11 define an L-shaped aperture for receiving an L-section fence post 53 with one web 61 of the p st receivable in the transverse slot and the other web 1| of the post receivable in the longitudinal' slot.

I ward. The bracket is moved down on. the posts The latter is verse slot 65 toward the insulator end of the.

Under these circumstances, the bracket extends from web 61 in the same direc-.

while tilted, to the desiredelevation, then allowed toangle downward to a substantiallyhorizontal position wherein the edge 85 of thesnubbing lug engages the web 61' of the post. Snubbing engagement of the edge 85 with the post under the weight of the bracket 5|, cantilevered outward from the post, locks the bracket in adjusted, substantially horizontal position. As in the case of the Figs. 1-6 form, snubbing engagement is enhanced by the weight of the insulator and wire strung on the insulator.

To remove or readjust the bracket 5|, it is tilted upward to loosen it on the fence post and then translated up on the post as required. Upward tilting of the bracket is limited by the engagement of the edge of the apex of the bracket at 81 with the web *6! of the fence post. This tends to prevent the bracket from being inadvertently pushed upward.

The transverse slot 65 and the second longitudinal slot 19 define a second L-shaped aperture for receiving the L-section fence post 53 with the web 67 of the post receivable in the transverse slot and the web H 'in'the longitudinal slot 19. Under these circumstances, bracket 5! extends outward from the web 61 in the opposite direction with respect to web 'l'l (Fig. 12). Thus, transverse slot '65 comprises one leg of each of .two L-shaped apertures for receiving an L-section fence post. With the bracket applied in this manner, the edge 85 of snubbing lug l5 snubs on the outer face of web 61 of the fence post. Upward tilting of the bracket is limited by engagement of the edge of the apex of the bracket at 3'1 with the web 61 of the fence post.

The above-described respective insulator supports thus are readily applicable to and vertically adjustable on fence posts of appropriate T or L cross section without requiring any tools, being locked in adjusted position simply by snubbing action due to their own weights. The angle section of the brackets is advantageous because of its inherent rigidity as a cantilever. The brackets of both forms of insulator support are readily and economically manufactured by stamping operations upon sheet metal blanks. Either form of insulator support may be readily mounted to extend in either one of two Opposite directions from the fence post, as may be required by the way in which the fence post has been driven into the ground. The flares 39 of the Fig. l bracket, in addition to providing clearance for the lugs 9 or fillets 35 of a fence post 3, also provide clearance for application of the bracket to a fence post 3 which has been burred down at its upper end at the juncture of its head flange and web in being driven into the ground. Similarly, the flare 8| of the Fig. 7 bracket, in addition to providing clearance for the fillet 83 of a fence post 53, also provides clearance for application of the bracket to a fence post which has been burred down at its upper end at the corner of webs 6'! and H.

In view of the above, it will be seen that the several objects of the invention are achieved and other advantageous results attained.

As many changes could be made in the above constructions without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawing shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

I claim:

1. An electric fence-wire insulator support comprising an elongate sheet metal bracket adapted ill for the mounting of an insulator at one end thereof, said bracket having a transverse slot adjacent its other end and a longitudinal slot leading into the transverse slot providing an angular aperture for'receiving a fence post of angular cross section, and a snubbing lug struck out from the material of the bracket adjacent the aperture extending longitudinally of the bracket from the transverse slot with the edge of the lug adjacent the transverse slot adapted for snubbing engagement with the part of a fence post extending through the transverse slot.

2. An electric fence-wire insulator support comprising an elongate bracket of angle shape in section formed by two webs joined at a ridge and having a fence-post-receiving aperture adjacent one end and extending across the ridge, the web portions of the other end of the bracket being separated at the ridge and being angled adjacent one another in a plan perpendicular to the length of the ridge.

3. An electric fence-wire insulator support comprisingan elongate "metal bracket of angle shape in section formed by two websjoined at a ridge and having a struck-out fence-post-receiving aperture adjacent one end and extending across the ridge, a snubbing lug formed by the portion struck out, said lug lying between said webs for snubbing engagement with a fence post extending through the aperture, the web portion of the other end of the bracket being separated at the ridge and being angled adjacent one another in a plane perpendicular to the length of the ridge and lying thereunder.

4. An electric fence-wire insulator support comprising an elongate metal bracket of angle shape in section formed by two webs joined at a ridge and having a struck-out aperture adjacent one end, part of said aperture extendin transversely acros the ridge of the bracket and another part extending longitudinally of the bracket for receiving a fence post of angular cross section, a snubbing ilug formed by the portion struck out and lying between said webs for snubbing en: gagement with the part of a fence post extending through the transverse part of the aperture, the web portions at the other end of the bracket being separated at the ridge and being angled adjacent one another in a plane perpendicular to the length of the ridge and lying thereunder.

5. An electric fence-wire insulator support comprising an elongate metal bracket of angle shape in section adapted for the mounting of an insulator at one end thereof, and having a fencepost-receiving aperture adjacent its other end extending across the apex of the bracket, and a snubbing lug adjacent the aperture adapted for snubbing engagement with a fence post extending through the aperture.

6. An electric fence-wire insulator support comprising an elongate metal bracket of angle shape in section adapted for the mounting of an insulator at one end thereof, said bracket having a transverse slot adajacent its other end extending across the apex of the bracket and a longitudinal slot leading into the transverse slot providing an angular aperture for receiving a fence post of angular cross section, and a snubbing lug struck from the material of the bracket adjacent the aperture extending longitudinally of the bracket from the transverse slot with the edge of the lug adjacent the transverse slot adapted for snubbing engagement with the part of a fence post extending through the transverse slot.

7. An electric f once-wire insulator support comprising an elongate sheet metal bracket of angle shape in cross section, part of the bracket at one end thereof being bent to extend transversely of the bracket to provide for attachment of an insulator to extend outward from said end of the bracket, said bracket having a transverse slot adjacent its other end extending across its apex, a portion of the metal of the bracket adjacent the transverse slot being struck to form a snubbing lug extending longitudinally of the bracket from the transverse slot and to provide a longitudinal slot leading into the transverse slot, the slots forming an angular aperture for receiving a fence post of angular cross section, the edge of the lug adjacent the transverse slot being adapted for snubbing engagement with the part of a fence post extending through the transverse slot.

8. An insulator support asset forth in claim '7 wherein the snubbing lug extends within the bracket from the transverse slot toward said one end of the bracket.

9. An insulator support as set forth in claim '7 wherein the bracket is further provided with another longitudinal slot extending from the transverse slot on the side opposite the first-mentioned longitudinal slot to provide a second angular aperture for receiving a fence post, the transverse slot comprising part of both apertures.

10. An insulator support for mounting upon a post of T-section, comprising an elongate sheet metal bracket of angle shape in section adapted for the mounting of an insulator at one end thereof, said bracket having a transverse slot extending across its apex adjacent its other end and a longitudinal slot in its apex leading from the transverse slot toward said one end of the bracket, portions of the metal of the bracket on opposite sides of the longitudinal slot being struck to extend into the bracket to form a pair of transversely spaced snubbing lugs extending longitudinally from the transverse slot toward said one end of the bracket, the slots defining a T-shaped aperture for receiving a post with the head flange of the post receivable in the transverse slot and the web of the post receivable in the longitudinal slot, the edges of the snubbing lugs adjacent the transverse slot being adapted for snubbing engagement with the head flange of a post.

11. An insulator support as set forth in claim 10 wherein the bracket is further provided with a second longitudinal slot in its apex extending from the transverse slot on the side opposite the first-mentioned longitudinal slot, the second longitudinal slot being adapted to receive the web of a post so that the bracket may be mounted to extend from one or the other sides of the post.

12. An insulator support for mounting upon a fence post of L-shape in section, comprising an elongate sheet metal bracket of angle shape in section adapted for the mounting of an insulator at one end thereof, said bracket having a transverse slot extending across its apex adjacent its other end and a longitudinal slot leading from one end of the transverse slot toward said one end of the bracket, the slots defining an L-shaped aperture for receiving a post, a portion of the metal of the bracket on the side of the longitudinal slot toward the apex of the bracket being struck to extend into the bracket to form a snubbing lug extending longitudinally from the transverse slot toward said one end of the bracket, the edge of the lug adjacent the transverse slot being adapted for snubbing engagement with the web of the post extending through the transverse slot.

13. An insulator support as set forth in claim 12 wherein the bracket is further provided with a second longitudinal slot extending from the other end of the transverse slot toward the opposite end of the bracket, said second slot being adapted to receive a web of a post so that the bracket may be mounted to extend in one or another direction from a post.

CLIFFORD HOMANN.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,050,234 Rowe Jan. 14, 1913 1,122,362 Brennan Dec. 29, 1914 1,488,300 Thompson Mar. 25, 1924 

